LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 13, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet looks dejected as Arsenal score the second equalising goal during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“A shocking decision to reward failure” – Liverpool fans fume at new Simon Mignolet deal

Liverpool confirmed a new long-term deal for goalkeeper Simon Mignolet on Monday evening, and we round-up the best social media reaction to the slightly baffling news.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 29, 2015: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet celebrate after the 2-0 victory over Swansea City during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“Why?” was the question on every Liverpool fans lips after it was announced Mignolet had been handed a new five-year deal.

His new contract will keep him at Anfield until 2021, with Reds manager Jurgen Klopp seemingly showing a huge amount of faith in the much maligned 27-year-old.

The Belgium international has found himself under intense scrutiny this season, with many supporters unimpressed with his performances in the Liverpool goal.

The 1-0 defeat at home to Man United on Sunday saw some blaming Mignolet for Wayne Rooney’s winner, and his popularity is certainly not at a high point currently.

Here is how social media reacted to the news of Mignolet’s new deal:

https://twitter.com/briankettle/status/689132675827765248

kingoftown on the forum:

Call it whatever you want – asset protection, genuine belief in his ability – but this club has no understanding of timing. Lose to the worst United side in years and follow it up by announcing that you’ve signed the personification of uncertainty to a five-year contract.

guy fawkes on the forum:

Words fail me.

https://twitter.com/AnfieldHQ/status/689139172968378370

https://twitter.com/Andrew_Heaton/status/689138237609218052

https://twitter.com/Ste_Halliwell11/status/689140027511705601

Last month Klopp claimed he was “fine” with the club’s goalkeeping situation, also backing keeper coach John Achterberg, saying the Dutchman was “one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met.”

Whether Mignolet’s new deal is all part of the game and Klopp intends to sell the Belgian this summer, therefore ensuring maximum resale value by agreeing the new deal now, only time will tell.

OPINION: Klopp’s indifference to Benteke should also apply to Mignolet

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